Montgomery County is the fifth most populous county in Ohio and home of Dayton, Ohio’s sixth largest city. Probation services in this county are primarily handled by the Dayton Municipal Court Probation Department. In 2011, almost 1,222 offenders were placed on probation, with almost 751 successfully completing their probation. The Probation Department also collected $83,242 in victim restitution and $52,400 in supervision fees.
Sponsored School(s)
Among the most important programs that the Probation Department administers is the Electronic Home Detention Program which utilizes GPS devices to monitor the locations of low risk offenders. These devices utilize “on demand” codes which allow probation officers to query the system to determine where offenders are located. This important program allows Montgomery County to minimize populations in detention facilities, utilize more cost effective sentencing options and reduce recidivism.
Another important program utilized by the DMCPD is the Ignition Interlock system which requires the probationer submit to a breath test before and during operation of a motor vehicle. This supervision program for offenders guilty of DWI is a highly effective system that prevents risk to the driver or others if they are intoxicated.
One of Montgomery County’s more unique probation programs is the Johns’ School which is a one day course for males convicted of soliciting prostitutes. The course includes seminars on legal risks, health dangers, and impact upon the prostitute and the community. In some instances, a former prostitute speaks about their life, the threats they endured and the toll on their person and minds.
How to Become a Probation Officer in Montgomery County, Ohio
The minimum educational requirement to serve as a probation officer in Montgomery County is a bachelor’s degree, preferably in one of the following fields.
- Criminal justice
- Social services
- Psychology
The number of jobs in this district is limited so advanced degrees including master’s, doctor’s and JD’s may confer competitive advantages in the hiring process. Although prior experience in the parole and probation fields are not required, obtaining such experience through paid employment, internships or trainee programs may provide benefits in hiring as well.
Applications may be submitted to the Human Resources Department of the Dayton Municipal Court along with resumes, employer recommendations, military service documentation and college transcripts. Candidates may be required to successfully pass a basic skills written exam, interviews and background checks.
Newly hired probation officers must take all of the courses offered through the New Probation Officer Training Catalog and successfully complete them within 12 months of hiring. The courses found in the catalog include
- Ethics
- Officer safety
- Professional written communication
- Overview of criminal justice system
- Case supervision
- Behavioral management
- Special populations
- Search and seizures
- Due process and court functions
- Principles of effective interventions
New officers who already possess proficiency in any of these topics may take an examination to opt out. A score of 90 or higher is required to opt out. Following the first year, all probation officers must receive 20 hours of additional training annually.